Charlie Dale

Artist Statement

The abstract expressionists and their surrealist cohorts, who pioneered abstract art in America in the mid-20th century, are my “Old Masters.” I spend a lot of “quiet time” in my studio studying their paintings and techniques. I am particularly intrigued by the concept of automatic drawing and writing that was a central theme of the surrealist movement.

I work in the abstract because of the freedom it gives me to “see” and interpret the physical and emotional world around us in unconstrained and exciting ways. Abstraction frees my imagination and encourages creativity and innovation.

I am an intuitive action painter. I strive for spontaneity and rarely start with a preconceived outcome in mind. I like being surprised as a composition evolves through the creative process.

Acrylics are my principal medium, but I like to add interest and complexity with charcoal, pencil, oil sticks and other mediums. I love making marks, especially using line to give energy and life to my paintings. I find black line particularly dramatic and emotive.

As I mature as an artist, I am increasingly working multiple paintings in series. This unifies my work. And it reinforces my aim to do more than provide a visual experience. I want my art to evoke feelings and emotions… to tell a story.

Charlie Dale

Artist Statement

The abstract expressionists and their surrealist cohorts, who pioneered abstract art in America in the mid-20th century, are my “Old Masters.” I spend a lot of “quiet time” in my studio studying their paintings and techniques. I am particularly intrigued by the concept of automatic drawing and writing that was a central theme of the surrealist movement.

I work in the abstract because of the freedom it gives me to “see” and interpret the physical and emotional world around us in unconstrained and exciting ways. Abstraction frees my imagination and encourages creativity and innovation.

I am an intuitive action painter. I strive for spontaneity and rarely start with a preconceived outcome in mind. I like being surprised as a composition evolves through the creative process.

Acrylics are my principal medium, but I like to add interest and complexity with charcoal, pencil, oil sticks and other mediums. I love making marks, especially using line to give energy and life to my paintings. I find black line particularly dramatic and emotive.

As I mature as an artist, I am increasingly working multiple paintings in series. This unifies my work. And it reinforces my aim to do more than provide a visual experience. I want my art to evoke feelings and emotions… to tell a story.